Holiday & Travel Guide For Goa, India

Goa is situated on the western coast of India, and framed by the Arabian
Sea on its West coast. Formerly a colony of Portugal, the Portuguese lifestyle
is somewhat apparent in this part of India and it is popular with European
tourists, particularly for Winter sun holidays.

What is Goa like?

With many gorgeous beaches, Goa is a relaxed place which combines
Portuguese lifestyle with modern music and cultures. Known as a popular place
for the party scene now, as well as a good all round destination, people in Goa
often take Siestas in the afternoon, to prepare for the nightlife. A place for
a relaxed holiday in the sun, or to indulge in some late season partying, the
serene but welcoming region of Goa is a great Indian place to stay.

Things to do

Goa is a fairly relaxed place, but not one that is overly touristy.
Relaxing in beach shacks or taking in some of the fine cuisine of the local restaurants
is the kind of thing you can expect to be doing a lot of. With white sands and
lovely clear waters, swimming and walking along the beach to explore the
further off areas are popular activities.

It is not boring however, and there is more that you can do in the
daytime in order to get a real taste of India. There are spice plantations
around the region in which you can go and wander and sample the real staples of
Indian cooking, maybe picking some up to bring home with you if you wish. The
landscape is perfect for leisurely strolls, so try an evening or early morning
walk up the rivers and streams around Goa, where you will see much local
wildlife, such as the birds that inhabit the place.

There are also white water waterfalls if you are prepared to travel a
little to see them, either on foot or by local transportation.

In the evenings, if you wish to party then head to the music filled
Anjuna or Vagator beaches, which play trance music into the night. There are
many local restaurants with authentic Indian dishes, so you can try your
curries how they are really meant to be if you prefer to wine and dine rather
than go out with the crowds. The locals are very easy going and celebrate life,
relaxation, music and their culture.

Religion is important in Goa, and there are many different branches of
religion, so if you feel like immersing yourself in the culture then you can
enter religious buildings and explore old cathedrals which are around.

Whilst a relaxing place, it is not barren of things to do, so get a
local map and take walks out into the more wild parts of Goa, perhaps asking
the hotel owner’s, or a local’s advice on the best beauty spots. Make sure you
avoid the early afternoon sun though, until about 4pm, as it can be very harsh,
especially if you are not used to the heat.